The Adrian sign ordinance issue remains unresolved, and Adrian City Commission members will face three proposed ordinances when they meet again in three weeks.

Commissioner Charles Jacobson moved to table his proposed ordinance during the commission’s meeting Monday because the commission was likely to split 3-3 on it with commissioner Milo Warren absent, meaning the ordinance would have been defeated.

Commissioner Julie Berryman Adams introduced an ordinance that restores amendments she had added June 17. The commission approved the June 17 proposal by a 4-2 vote, but it was not published within the 10-day time limit.

Adams’ ordinance will be slated for a vote in three weeks.

Mayor Greg DuMars introduced his own ordinance Monday that would repeal the existing sign ordinance and not replace it. That ordinance also will be slated for a vote in three weeks.

This was the fifth meeting at which the commission has dealt with the sign ordinance. Controversy revolves around whether sections of an ordinance recommended by the Adrian Planning Commission are too restrictive.

Discussion of the proposals and of the failure to publish the one ordinance that was passed became a shouting match at times during a study session before the regular meeting, with commissioners talking over each other. At one point, Jacobson got into a heated exchange with Frank Hribar, Adrian College vice president for enrollment and student affairs, who was observing the meeting.

City clerk Pat Baker said that she is the one responsible for publishing ordinances, but that she was unable to publish the June 17 ordinance because she didn’t have the amendments in writing.

Adams, who made her amendments verbally, said that she was not blaming Baker and that she was frustrated with city administrator Dane Nelson.

“I’ve never been part of something where the majority passes something and it’s not law,” Adams said.

“You have to put it in writing, Julie,” Nelson said.

After the meeting, Nelson said he had nothing to do with Baker’s decision not to publish the ordinance, and only advised her to talk to Adams and city attorney Sarah Osburn.

During the regular meeting, DuMars introduced his ordinance to repeal the existing ordinance and not replace it.

“Let businesses, schools do whatever they need to do to grow their business,” DuMars said.

After the meeting, DuMars said he wouldn't rule out voting for one of the other ordinances, but preferred his.